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Restaurant · Chicago, IL

Cafe Nova

6431 N Sheridan Rd

Last inspected Feb 25, 2025 · View Map ↗ · Compare ↗

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More issues recentlyThe latest inspection recorded more violations than the one before it. Review the dated records below.

The full inspection history

3 inspections

Canvass

Feb 25, 2025

Pass

7 recorded violations

notedCode 36Equipment and utensils

Official wording

THERMOMETERS PROVIDED & ACCURATE

Inspector’s notes

FOUND A COOKING THERMOMETER INSIDE THE TWO DOOR REACH-IN COOLER AT 180F. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE AND PROVIDED PROPER TERMOMETER FOR COLD HOLDING:41F AND BELOW.

In plain English

Equipment, utensils, thermometers, cutting boards, or single-use items were not in good condition, not the right type, or not stored properly.

More about equipment or utensil issues
notedCode 37Food source and labeling

Official wording

FOOD PROPERLY LABELED; ORIGINAL CONTAINER

Inspector’s notes

STORED FOOD IN CONTAINERS THROUGHOUT THE KITCHEN MUST BE LABELED WITH COMMON NAME OF THE PRODUCT:FLOUR,SUGAR ETC,

In plain English

Food came from an unapproved source, was missing required date marks or labels, or was past its use-by date. Knowing where food came from and how old it is helps prevent illness.

More about food source, dating, or labeling problems
notedCode 38Pests

Official wording

INSECTS, RODENTS, & ANIMALS NOT PRESENT

Inspector’s notes

FRONT MAIN DOOR NOT PROTECTED,A GAP OF 1/4" TO 1/2" BETWEEN BOTTOM DOOR.INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR ISSUE TO MINIMIZE PEST/INSECT ENTRY.

In plain English

The inspector found mice, rats, cockroaches, flies, or evidence of them (like droppings) inside the business, or conditions that could attract them. Pests can spread bacteria to food and surfaces, so this is treated as one of the more serious findings.

More about signs of rodents or insects
notedCode 39Contamination

Official wording

CONTAMINATION PREVENTED DURING FOOD PREPARATION, STORAGE & DISPLAY

Inspector’s notes

SPLASH GUARD IS NEEDED BETWEEN SPICES TABLE BY THE COOKING EQUIPMENT AND HANDWASHING SINK SURFACE MUST BE SMOOTH,CLEANABLE AND NON-ABSORBENT SURFACE.

In plain English

Food was stored or handled in a way that could let germs or other material get into it, such as raw meat stored above ready-to-eat food or uncovered food. Cross-contamination is a common cause of foodborne illness.

More about food not protected from contamination
notedCode 41Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

WIPING CLOTHS: PROPERLY USED & STORED

Inspector’s notes

OBSERVED USED WIPING CLOTHS ON TOP PREP TABLES AND CUTTING BOARDS.MUST STORE WIPING CLOTHS IN PREP AREAS IN SANITIZER BUCKET BETWEEN USES TO PREVENT CROSS CONTAMINATION. INSTRUCTED TO MAINTAIN.

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems
notedCode 51Water, plumbing, and sewage

Official wording

PLUMBING INSTALLED; PROPER BACKFLOW DEVICES

Inspector’s notes

NO BACK FLOW PREVENTION DEVICE PROVIDED AT NEW INSTALLED ICE MACHINE AND ESPRESSO MACHINE AT FRONT COUNTER IN DINING AREA. MUST INSTALL SO BACK FLOW PREVENTION DEVICE MAY BE LOCATED TO BE SERVICED AND MAINTAIN.

In plain English

The business had issues with hot or cold running water, plumbing, drains, backflow prevention, or sewage disposal. Some of these, like no hot water, can force a temporary closure until fixed.

More about water, plumbing, or sewage problems
notedCode 55Cleaning and sanitizing

Official wording

PHYSICAL FACILITIES INSTALLED, MAINTAINED & CLEAN

Inspector’s notes

DEBRIS ON FLOOR UNDER FRONT COUNTER AND NORTH SITE OF THE KITCHEN.CLEAN AND MAINTAIN

In plain English

Dishes, equipment, or surfaces that touch food were not properly washed, rinsed, and sanitized, or sanitizer was not at the right strength. Clean surfaces help stop germs from spreading to food.

More about cleaning or sanitizing problems

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Feb 25, 2025 · Original Source

Canvass

Feb 2, 2024

Out of Business

0 recorded violations

No violations recorded in this inspection.

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Feb 2, 2024 · Original Source

Canvass

Feb 2, 2024

Pass w/ Conditions

3 recorded violations

notedCode 10Handwashing

Official wording

ADEQUATE HANDWASHING SINKS PROPERLY SUPPLIED AND ACCESSIBLE

Inspector’s notes

HANDWASHING SINK AT REAR DISHROOM AREA NOT ACCESSIBLE FOR FOR HANDWASHING. IN FRONT OF IT A LARGE SHELF WITH STORED CHEMICALS. UNABLE TO WASH HANDS. ALL HANDWASHING SINKS MUST BE ACCESSIBLE FOR USE AND USED FOR THE PURPOSE OF HAND WASHING. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION:7-38-030(C),CITATION UPON MY RETURN ON 2-6-2024 SHELF WAS REMOVED SINK IS ACCESSIBLE FOR PROPER HANDWASHING

In plain English

Staff were not washing their hands when required, or a handwashing sink was blocked, missing soap or paper towels, or used for something else. Hands are one of the most common ways germs reach food.

More about handwashing problems
notedCode 58Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

ALLERGEN TRAINING AS REQUIRED

Inspector’s notes

NO ALLERGEN TRAINING CERTIFICATES PROVIDED ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE FOR ALL CERTIFIED FOOD SERVICE MANAGERS

In plain English

A required permit, food safety certificate, trained manager, or posted sign was missing or not current. These show the business is following the rules and has trained staff.

More about paperwork, training, or posting issues
notedCode 57Permits, training, and postings

Official wording

ALL FOOD EMPLOYEES HAVE FOOD HANDLER TRAINING

Inspector’s notes

ADDITIONAL FOOD HANDLER TRAINING CERTIFICATE IS REQUIRED ON SITE,INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE

In plain English

A required permit, food safety certificate, trained manager, or posted sign was missing or not current. These show the business is following the rules and has trained staff.

More about paperwork, training, or posting issues

Official record from Chicago Department of Public Health, Feb 2, 2024 · Original Source

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